"Betrayal and Lies" Yoon Criticized by Former Cheong Wa Dae Officials Over 'Deep-rooted Corruption Investigation' Remarks

Noh Young-min "Revealed the True Intentions of Prosecutor-Centric Views"
Choi Jae-sung "Someone Who Wants to Be President... Should Not Tell Mad Lies"

Former President's Chief of Staff Noh Young-min [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Jung-wan] Former Blue House officials continue their offensive over Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, and his remarks about investigating the "deep-rooted evils of the previous administration" if he comes to power.

On the 13th, former Presidential Chief of Staff Noh Young-min appeared on MBN's "Jung Woon-gap's Focused Analysis" and said, "Yoon's recent remarks reveal the true intentions of a prosecutorial zealot," adding, "The public will wisely judge this matter."

Referring to Yoon's appointment as Prosecutor General, Noh said, "Among the four final candidates for Prosecutor General, then Minister of Justice Park Sang-ki announced the criteria. The key factor was who had the strongest will regarding the establishment of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office and the adjustment of investigative authority between the prosecution and police."

He continued, "During the preliminary interview, Yoon expressed the strongest determination, but judging from his subsequent actions, he betrayed his own stance on prosecutorial reform."

Noh also rebutted Yoon's comment that "If there is nothing problematic about it, there is no reason to be displeased" regarding his 'deep-rooted evils investigation' remark.

Noh said, "This is truly a statement befitting a prosecutorial zealot. The prosecution publicly discloses the suspect's facts, ruining the suspect's reputation, and later says, 'If innocent, the court will acquit.' This is an irresponsible statement," he criticized.

Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate Photo by Yonhap News

Former Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Choi Jae-sung also pointed out on social media that Yoon said, "I thought it was a joke when they said they would strip investigative authority after the adjustment of investigative authority between the prosecution and police was completed."

Choi said, "The Blue House clearly conveyed through various channels to the ruling party and related ministries that 'the stabilization of investigative authority adjustment is the top priority' while pushing for prosecutorial reform," adding, "Yoon, who was the Prosecutor General at the time, could not have been unaware." He further criticized, "I am not asking for something like divine grace, but at the very least, someone who wants to be president should not dream of revenge and tell mad lies."

Earlier, in an interview released on the 9th, Yoon responded "Of course" to the question, "Will you investigate the deep-rooted evils after winning the election?" The ruling party condemned this as a "declaration of political retaliation." President Moon Jae-in also urged Yoon to apologize for the remark, expressing "strong anger."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.